There’s no mention of which adaptation of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory qualified. As the accompanying article 50 best book-inspired films says, a notable absentee from the list is J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books.

[via Cynical-C whose comments also cite The Wizard of Oz and Lord of the Rings as notable omissions.]

1 Comment on 50 Greatest Film Adaptations

I’m guessing the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory pick was the more recent adaptation, because the list gives the alternate movie titles if they differ from the book. In this case, the original movie was called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which differs from the book.

They had some great picks up there (for SF as well as the other genres), most notably Frank Miller’s Sin City which most fans knows was an incredibly faithful adaptation of the graphic novels. I might have to disagree with their choice of Blade Runner, because although it’s a classic SF flick, it differs a bit from Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electronic Sheep?

Lord of the Rings definitely should have been on there as should the Harry Potter movies. Come to think of it, the Lemony Snicket movie was done well also. At least I, Robot was nowhere to be found, although the filmmakers didn’t say “based on” for that one. I think they said “inspired by” or some other phrase to technically not be deceivers, but let’s face it, they were out to deceive!!! But you know that already.